Abel Portillo

Passed into heaven December 15, 2024, at the age of 91 years in San Diego, California

Born March 7, 1933, to Delfino and Juana Portillo in San Diego, California. He was the 9th of 16 children born to his parents, 11 sisters and 4 brothers. The children were raised in National City, California. Abel graduated from Sweetwater High School in 1952 and received his draft notice on the same day as his graduation ceremony. In high school Abel stood out in sports – he played basketball and in track and field ran the low hurdles and high jumped – he broke the school record in high jump which he held for 16 years.

He served 2 years in the U.S. Army and was discharged as a corporal. He spent the 2 years in Germany and France as a phone lineman, he also played basketball and football during the 2 years.

After his return home, he married his wife of 68 years Mary Jane ‘China’ Valencia Portillo. He was preceded in death by his son Abel ‘Tito’ Portillo and wife Mary. He is survived by his daughters Ramona Saragosa, Rebecca Bea, and Daniel Portillo. He has 4 grandsons, 10 great grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren.

Services will be held on Saturday morning, January 18th from 10:00 at Funerarias del Angel 753 Broadway, Chula Vista. Holy Cross cemetery at 1:30, then reception at the American Legion 35 E 18th Street, National City at 3:00.